Structure that forms a visual representation and method for making the same

ABSTRACT

A structure that forms a visual representation may include a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an interlayer being disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The interlayer may have a first side adjacent to the first outer layer and a second side adjacent to the second outer layer. The interlayer includes a plurality of cuts extending from the first side of the interlayer towards the second side of the interlayer. Each of the plurality of cuts may have an angle with respect to a plane formed by a surface of the first side of the interlayer. Each angle for at least a portion of the plurality of cuts is based on one or more pixel values of at least one image that forms the basis of the visual representation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates, in general, to a structurethat forms a visual representation and method for making the same.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided is to present the context of thedisclosure generally. Work of the inventor, to the extent it may bedescribed in this background section, and aspects of the descriptionthat may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, areneither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against thepresent technology.

Structures that form visual representations, such as decorative panels,can vary significantly in cost and complexity. Some structures aresimple rigid structures that have one or more images that have beenetched into the structure using an engraving process, such as a laserengraving process. The engraving process is the practice of incising adesign on to a hard, usually flat surface by cutting grooves into it.

More complex visual representations may utilize several differentelements to form a mosaic. These types of visual representations mayutilize smaller components that are built up from small regular orirregular pieces of different substances, such as stone, glass, and/orceramic. In particular, the use of glass and glasslike substances, suchas mirrors, allows for more complex visual representations that reflectand/or absorb light provided to the visual representation providing aunique and satisfying visualization. However, these types of visualrepresentations are highly complex and are generally expensive tomanufacture. Each visual representation may be unique in and of itself,making it difficult to mass-produce such types of complex visualrepresentations.

SUMMARY

This section generally summarizes the disclosure and is not acomprehensive explanation of its full scope or all its features.

In one example, a structure that forms a visual representation mayinclude a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an interlayerbeing disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer.The interlayer may have a first side adjacent to the first outer layerand a second side adjacent to the second outer layer. The interlayerincludes a plurality of cuts extending from the first side of theinterlayer towards the second side of the interlayer. Each of theplurality of cuts has an angle with respect to a plane formed by asurface of the first side of the interlayer. Each angle for at least aportion of the plurality of cuts is based on a pixel value of at leastone image that forms the basis of the visual representation.

In another example, a method for producing a structure that forms avisual representation may include the steps of obtaining at least oneimage having a plurality of pixels having a location and a pixel valuethat represents an intensity of the pixel, generating angle values basedon the pixel values for at least a portion of the plurality of pixels,and cutting into an interlayer a plurality of cuts extending from afirst side of the interlayer towards a second side of the interlayer.Each angle for at least a portion of the plurality of cuts is based onone or more pixel values of at least one image that forms the basis ofthe visual representation. Thereafter, a first outer layer and a secondouter layer may be adhered to a first side and second side of theinterlayer, respectively.

Further areas of applicability and various methods of enhancing thedisclosed technology will become apparent from the description provided.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended forillustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various systems, methods, andother embodiments of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that theillustrated element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or othershapes) in the figures represent one embodiment of the boundaries. Insome embodiments, one element may be designed as multiple elements ormultiple elements may be designed as one element. In some embodiments,an element shown as an internal component of another element may beimplemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore,elements may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a process flow for making a structure that forms avisual representation;

FIG. 2 illustrates an image conversion system for use with making thestructure that forms the visual representation;

FIG. 3 illustrates a more detailed view of an interlayer of a structurethat forms a visual representation;

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the interlayer generally takenalong lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 ;

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate different examples of the structure that formsa visual representation;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate different examples of the structure that formsa visual representation utilizing a lighting source; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for making a structure that forms a visualrepresentation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A structure that forms a visual representation may include an interlayerthat is located between two outer layers. The interlayer has a pluralityof cuts that extend from a first side of the interlayer towards a secondside of the interlayer. Each of the cuts has an angle with respect to aplane formed by a surface of the first side of the interlayer. The angleof each cut may vary depending on one or more pixel values from theelectronic image that forms the basis of the visual representation. Forexample, the electronic image may be a picture of a maple leaf. The cutsplaced within the interlayer at different angles allow the interlayer toform of visual representation that mimics the electronic image of themaple leaf.

Referring to FIG. 1 , illustrated is a process flow 10 for generating aninterlayer 22 that forms part of a structure that forms a visualrepresentation. It should be understood that the process flow 10 is toprovide a brief summary of the process utilized to generate theinterlayer 22. The specific intricacies of the interlayer 22, as well asother components that form the structure, will be described in greaterdetail later in this specification.

With regards to the process flow 10, the process flow 10 begins with animage 12. The image 12 can be any kind of electronic image using any oneof several different file formats. As such, the image 12 could utilizefile formats such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, bitmap, Adobe Acrobatportable document format, and the like. It should be understood that thefile format of the electronic image can vary from application toapplication and can vary based on any known current or future fileformat technique.

As to the image 12 itself, the image 12 can be, in one example, atwo-dimensional image formed from a plurality of pixels. Each pixel mayinclude information regarding the location of the pixel, as well as apixel value, which may be an intensity value. The intensity value of apixel may be a single value for a gray-scale image or three values for acolor image. The image 12 may be a picture, such as a maple leaf asshown. However, the image 12 may take any one of several differentforms. For example, the image may be a graphic(s), letter(s), number(s),landscape image(s), geometric shape(s), abstract pattern(s), face(s) ofa human or animal, natural scene(s), or combinations thereof.

An image conversion system 100, which will be described in greaterdetail later in the specification, receives the image 12 and essentiallyconverts the image 12 to a mapping array 14. The mapping array 14 isessentially an array that includes the location for each cut made intoan interlayer in the angle of each cut made into the interlayer.Moreover, a cutting device 20 receives the mapping array 14 and thencuts into an interlayer 18 to generate a finished interlayer 22, whichforms a visual representation based on the image 12. The cutting device20 may be a three-dimensional laser cutting device that is configured tocut and/or engrave into different materials. For example, the interlayer18 or 22 may be polymethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane,ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol,polycarbonate, and/or glass. Further, the interlayer 18 or 22 mayinclude ultraviolet absorbing materials and/or fluorescent materials.

The cutting device 20 may utilize one or more different types of lasers,such as a CO₂ laser. The laser cutting device 20 has a laser head thathas multiple degrees of movement, essentially allowing the laser head toperform three-dimensional laser cuts. As will be explained in greaterdetail later in this specification, the cutting device 20 can form oneor more cuts into the surface of the interlayer 18 to form the finishedinterlayer 22. Each of the cuts formed into the interlayer 18 may beangled in such a way to create a visual representation that mimics theimage 12, as best shown as the finished interlayer 22, which mimics theimage 12.

With reference to FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the image conversion system100 is further illustrated. As shown, the image conversion system 100includes a processor(s) 110. Accordingly, the processor(s) 110 may be apart of the image conversion system 100 or the image conversion system100 may access the processor(s) 110 through a data bus or anothercommunication path. In one or more embodiments, the processor(s) 110 isan application-specific integrated circuit that is configured toimplement functions associated with an image obtaining module 131, animage conversion module 132, and an output module 133. In general, theprocessor(s) 110 is an electronic processor such as a microprocessorthat is capable of performing various functions as described herein.

In one embodiment, the image conversion system 100 includes a memory 130that stores the image obtaining module 131, the image conversion module132, and the output module 133. The memory 130 may be a random-accessmemory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, a flash memory,or other suitable memory for storing the modules 131-133. The modules131-133 are, for example, computer-readable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor(s) 110, cause the processor(s) 110 to performthe various functions disclosed herein.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the image conversion system 100 includesa data store(s) 120. The data store(s) 120 is, in one embodiment, anelectronic data structure such as a database that is stored in thememory 130 or another memory and that is configured with routines thatcan be executed by the processor(s) 110 for analyzing stored data,providing stored data, organizing stored data, and so on. Thus, in oneembodiment, the data store(s) 120 stores data used and/or generated bythe modules 131-133 in executing various functions. In one embodiment,the data store(s) 120 includes one or more images 121 and one or moremapping arrays 122. The images 121 may be images similar to the image 12of FIG. 1 , while the mapping arrays 122 may be similar to the mappingarray 14 of FIG. 1 .

As to the modules 131-133, the image obtaining module 131 causes theprocessor(s) 110 to obtain an image that will form the basis of thevisual representation formed within the structure. In one example,referring back to FIG. 1 , the image 12 may be a picture. However, theimage 12 may take any one of several different forms, as previouslymentioned.

Regardless of the type of image, the image conversion module 132 causesthe processor(s) 110 to convert the image 12 into a mapping array 14. Asstated previously, the image 12, and images like it, may be made up of aplurality of pixels. Each pixel may have a location value and a pixelvalue, which may be an intensity value. If the image is ablack-and-white or gray-scale image, the intensity value may be a singlevalue indicating how light or dark the pixel is. If the image is a colorimage, the intensity value of each pixel of the color image may includethree values that have different intensities.

In one example, the image conversion module 132 causes the processor(s)110 to receive the intensity values from the image. In one example, ifthe image is a color image, the image conversion module 132 may firstconvert the color image to a gray-scale image, thus creating only oneset of intensity values for each pixel of the color image.

The image conversion module 132 then determines the location and anglefor each cut that will be formed into the interlayer, such as theinterlayer 18. The angle of each cut is based on the intensity values ofone or more pixels from the image. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates afront view of a finished interlayer 222 that has a plurality of cuts230, 240, 250, and 260. In this example, each of the cuts 230, 240, 250,and 260 has a substantially equal with, but the angles of the cuts 230,240, 250, and 260 varies.

In order to illustrate this difference more clearly, reference is madeto FIG. 4 , which is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3 .Here, the finished interlayer 222 has a first side 224 and a second side226 that may be substantially flat. Also shown are the cuts 230, 240,250, and 260. The cut 230 has an incision 231 at an angle 232. The cut240 has an incision 241 at an angle 242. The cut 250 has an incision 251at an angle 252. The cut 260 has incision 261 at an angle 262. In thisexample, the angles 232, 242, 252, and 262 are measured from plane 223defined by the first side 224 of the interlayer 222. The incisions 231,241, 251, and 261 may be the substantially same direction, as best shownin FIG. 3 , which each show the incisions 231, 241, 251, and 261 beingin a horizontal direction.

Also, brief mention should be made regarding the cuts 230, 240, 250, and260. The cuts 230, 240, 250, and/or 260 may extend from the incisions231, 241, 251, and 261, respectively, of the first side 224 of theinterlayer 222 towards the second side 226. The cuts 230, 240, 250,and/or 250 may extend completely from the incisions 231, 241, 251, and261, respectively, to the second side 226 or, alternatively, may onlyextend into the interlayer 222 but not reach the second side 226 of theinterlayer 222.

With regards to the angles 232, 242, 252, and 262 and how they relate tothe pixel values of an image, the angles 232, 242, 252, and 262generally create an optical representation depending on the angle. Forexample, the angle 242 is approximately 90° with respect to the firstside 224 of the interlayer 222. As such, the cut 240 extends directlyinto the interlayer 222 from the incision 241. The cut 240 may relate toone or more pixels that have a low-intensity value, such as one or morepixels that are generally lighter in color or shade. Conversely, the cut250 has a much larger angle 252. In this example, the cut 250 would bemore representative of one or more pixels that have a higher intensityvalue, such as a darker color or shade. The cuts 230 and 260 have angles232 and 262, respectively, that may represent a more middle intensity.As such, the cuts 230 and 260 may represent one or more pixels that haveless intensity than the pixels that formed the cut 250, but moreintensity than the pixels that form the cut 240.

As such, each cut 230, 240, 250, and/or 260 formed within the interlayer222 may represent one or more pixels. The angles of each cut 230, 240,250, and/or 260 varies based on the one or more intensity values of theone or more pixels that the cuts represent. If the cut represents morethan one pixel, the angle the cut may be based on averaging theintensity values of the pixels or some other mathematical normalization.

As such, once the interlayer 222 has been cut by the cutting device 20using a mapping array 14 that contains the location of the cuts 230,240, 250, and 260 and their respective angles 232, 242, 252, and 262,the interlayer 222 may form a pleasing visual representation, as bestshown by the finished interlayer 22 in FIG. 1 .

As to the output module 133, the output module 133 causes theprocessor(s) 110 to output the mapping arrays 122 to the cutting device20, wherein the cutting device 20 will make the appropriate cuts, at theappropriate locations, and at the appropriate angles in the interlayer18 to generate the finished interlayer 22. It should be understood thatwhile the image conversion system 100 is shown separately from thecutting device 20 of FIG. 1 , it is possible that the image conversionsystem 100 may be incorporated within the cutting device 20 or may belocated separately, as shown in FIG. 1 .

Once the interlayer 22 has been produced as described above, theinterlayer 22 may be sandwiched between one or more other layers. Forexample, referring to FIG. 5 , this figure illustrates a structure 301having an interlayer 322. The interlayer 322 may be similar to theinterlayer 22, as previously described. The interlayer 322 has a firstside 324 and a second side 326. In this example, the cuts formed withinthe interlayer 322 are not shown, but it should be understood that theinterlayer 322 may have one or more cuts that provide a visualrepresentation of an image.

Here, the interlayer 322 is located between a first outer layer 327A anda second outer layer 327B that may be moth substantially flat. The firstouter layer 327A and the second outer layer 327B may be made ofpolymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol,polycarbonate, and/or glass. The first outer layer 327A and/or thesecond outer layer 327B may be transparent or may be partiallytransparent. Furthermore, the first outer layer 327A and/or the secondouter layer 327B may be partially transparent and/or be dyed with one ormore colors to create a unique optical effect.

The first outer layer 327A may be adhered to the first side 324 of theinterlayer 322 using an adhesive 328A, while the second side 326 of theinterlayer 322 may be adhered to the second outer layer 327B using anadhesive 328B. The adhesive 328A and/or adhesive 328B may be anoptically transparent adhesive.

Referring to FIG. 6 , another example of the structure 401 is shown. Inthis example, the structure 401 is similar to the structure 301 of FIG.5 . Similar reference numerals have been utilized to refer to similarcomponents, and, as such, the prior description is equally applicablehere. In this example, an opaque layer 429 may be attached and/oradhered to the second layer 427B to create another unique visualrepresentation.

Additionally, it should be understood that different lighting sourcescould be utilized along with the structures 301 and/or 401. For example,FIG. 7 illustrates the structure 301 of FIG. 5 . In this example, thestructure 301 includes a lighting source 370 that includes at least onelight 372 that radiates light into the interlayer 322. Similarly, FIG. 8illustrates the structure 401 that includes a lighting source 470 thatincludes at least one light 472 that emits light into the interlayer422. In this example, the lighting sources 370 and 470 create a pleasingvisual effect as the light emitted into the interlayer 322 and/or 422interact with one or more cuts that may be formed within the interlayers322 and/or 422. Using the image processing the angle of the cuts mayalso be selected for optimal harvesting of the edge lit and preciseemission from one or both surfaces of the assembly. The lights 372and/or 472 can be any type of light capable of radiating radiation. Assuch, the lights 372 and/or 472 could be incandescent lamps, compactfluorescent lamps, halogen lamps metal halide lamps, light emittingdiodes, fluorescent tubes, neon lamps, high intensity discharge lamps,low-pressure sodium lamps, combinations thereof, and the like.Additionally, the lights 372 and/or 472 can radiate light at a varietyof different frequencies, not just frequencies that are perceivable tothe human eye, for example invisible UV light that may activate afluorescent interlayer to emit visible light.

Referring to FIG. 9 , a method 500 for producing a structure that formsa visual representation is shown. The method 500 will be explained fromthe viewpoint of the process flow 10 of FIG. 1 and the image conversionsystem 100 of FIG. 2 . However, it should be understood that the method500 may be executed and practiced in any one of a number of differentapproaches and should not be limited to just those approaches describedin this specification. Further, FIGS. 3-6 may also be referenced whendescribing the method 500 to provide an additional perspective of thestructure that forms the visual representation.

In step 502, the method 500 begins by first obtaining at least one imagehaving a plurality of pixels. Here, the image obtaining module 131 maycause the processor(s) 110 to first obtain an image. In one example,referring back to FIG. 1 , the image 12 may be a picture. However, theimage 12 may take any one of several different forms, as previouslymentioned.

In step 504, the image conversion module 132 causes the processor(s) 110to convert the image 12 into a mapping array 14. As stated previously,the image 12, and images like it, may be made up of a plurality ofpixels. Each pixel may have a location value and a pixel value, whichmay be an intensity value. If the image is a black-and-white orgray-scale image, the intensity value may be a single value indicatinghow light or dark the pixel is. If the image is a color image, theintensity value of each pixel of the color image may include threevalues that have different intensities. If the image is a color image,the image conversion module 132 may first convert the color image to agray-scale image, thus creating only one set of intensity values foreach pixel of the color image.

The image conversion module 132 then determines the location and anglefor each cut that will be formed into the interlayer, such as theinterlayer 18. The angle of each cut is based on the intensity values ofone or more pixels from the image. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates afront view of a finished interlayer 222 that has a plurality of cuts230, 240, 250, and 260. In this example, each of the cuts has asubstantially equal width, but the angle of the cut varies. Each cut230, 240, 250, and/or 260 formed within the interlayer 222 may representone or more pixels. The angles of each cut 230, 240, 250, and/or 260varies based on the one or more intensity values of the one or morepixels that the cuts represent.

The determination of the location and angle for each cut may be referredto and saved as the mapping array 122. The mapping array may be scaledup or down, and or a secondary function may be performed on this set,such as to produce perspective, or depth or other visual qualities. Theoutput module 133 causes the processor(s) 110 to output the mappingarray 122, which contains information regarding the location angle ofthe cuts to the cutting device 20. In step 506, the cutting device 20cuts into an interlayer, such as the interlayer 18, a plurality of cutsextending from one side of the interlayer 18 towards the opposite sideof the interlayer 18. The plurality of cuts may extend all the waythrough the interlayer 18 or may extend only partially into theinterlayer 18.

As best shown in FIG. 3 , a finished interlayer 222 has been cut using amapping array 14 that contains the location of the cuts 230, 240, 250,and 260 and their respective angles 232, 242, 252, and 262, theinterlayer 222 may form a pleasing visual representation, as best shownby the finished interlayer 22 in FIG. 1 .

In step 508, which is indicated as optional, the interlayer 222 mayinclude one or more outer layers, such as the first outer layer 327A andthe second outer layer 327B, adhered to opposing sides of the interlayer222. Also, optional, other additional processes may be performed to theinterlayer, such as providing additional lighting, layers, or othercomponents to the interlayer to provide for a more pleasing visualexperience.

It should be appreciated that any of the systems described in thisspecification can be configured in various arrangements with separateintegrated circuits and/or chips. The circuits are connected viaconnection paths to provide for communicating signals between theseparate circuits. Of course, while separate integrated circuits arediscussed, in various embodiments, the circuits may be integrated into acommon integrated circuit board. Additionally, the integrated circuitsmay be combined into fewer integrated circuits or divided into moreintegrated circuits.

In another embodiment, the described methods and/or their equivalentsmay be implemented with computer-executable instructions. Thus, in oneembodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is configured withstored computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a machine(e.g., processor, computer, and so on) cause the machine (and/orassociated components) to perform the method.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the illustratedmethodologies in the figures are shown and described as a series ofblocks, it is to be appreciated that the methodologies are not limitedby the order of the blocks, as some blocks can occur in different ordersand/or concurrently with other blocks from that shown and described.Moreover, less than all the illustrated blocks may be used to implementan example methodology. Blocks may be combined or separated intomultiple components. Furthermore, additional and/or alternativemethodologies can employ additional blocks that are not illustrated.

Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as examples.Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto variously employ the aspects herein in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandabledescription of possible implementations.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or blockdiagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, whichcomprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in somealternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occurout of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality involved.

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein.The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components thatfall within the scope of a term, and that may be used for variousimplementations. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Bothsingular and plural forms of terms may be within the definitions.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “anexample,” and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) sodescribed may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic,property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment orexample necessarily includes that particular feature, structure,characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeateduse of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to thesame embodiment, though it may.

“Module,” as used herein, includes a computer or electrical hardwarecomponent(s), firmware, a non-transitory computer-readable medium thatstores instructions, and/or combinations of these components configuredto perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function oraction from another logic, method, and/or system. Module may include amicroprocessor controlled by an algorithm, a discrete logic (e.g.,ASIC), an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device,a memory device including instructions that when executed perform analgorithm, and so on. A module, in one or more embodiments, may includeone or more CMOS gates, combinations of gates, or other circuitcomponents. Where multiple modules are described, one or moreembodiments may include incorporating the multiple modules into onephysical module component. Similarly, where a single module isdescribed, one or more embodiments distribute the single module betweenmultiple physical components.

Additionally, module, as used herein, includes routines, programs,objects, components, data structures, and so on that perform tasks orimplement data types. In further aspects, a memory generally stores thenoted modules. The memory associated with a module may be a buffer orcache embedded within a processor, a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, oranother suitable electronic storage medium. In still further aspects, amodule as envisioned by the present disclosure is implemented as anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a hardware component ofa system on a chip (SoC), as a programmable logic array (PLA), as agraphics processing unit (GPU), or as another suitable hardwarecomponent that is embedded with a defined configuration set (e.g.,instructions) for performing the disclosed functions.

In one or more arrangements, one or more of the modules described hereincan include artificial or computational intelligence elements, e.g.,neural network, fuzzy logic, or other machine learning algorithms.Further, in one or more arrangements, one or more of the modules can bedistributed among a plurality of the modules described herein. In one ormore arrangements, two or more of the modules described herein can becombined into a single module.

The terms “a” and “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more thanone. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or morethan two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least asecond or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein,are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The phrase “at leastone of . . . and . . . ” as used herein refers to and encompasses anyand all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listeditems. As an example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” includesA only, B only, C only, or any combination thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC, orABC).

Aspects herein can be embodied in other forms without departing from thespirit or essential attributes thereof. Accordingly, reference should bemade to the following claims, rather than to the foregoingspecification, as indicating the scope hereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure comprising: a first outer layer and asecond outer layer; an interlayer being disposed between the first outerlayer and the second outer layer, the interlayer having a first surfaceadjacent to the first outer layer and a second surface adjacent to thesecond outer layer, wherein the first and second surfaces define planesthat are parallel to one another; the interlayer having a plurality ofincisions extending from the first surface of the interlayer towards thesecond surface of the interlayer, each of the plurality of incisionshaving an angle with respect to the plane defined by the first surfaceof the interlayer; and wherein each angle for at least a portion of theplurality of incisions is based on one or more pixel values of at leastone image.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the interlayer is madeof at least one of polymethyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane,ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol,polycarbonate, and glass.
 3. The structure of claim 1, furthercomprising an adhesive layer located between the interlayer and at leastone of the first outer layer and the second outer layer.
 4. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first outer layer andthe second outer layer is made of at least one of polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, polycarbonate, andglass.
 5. A structure comprising: a first outer layer and a second outerlayer; an interlayer being disposed between the first outer layer andthe second outer layer, the interlayer having a first side adjacent tothe first outer layer and a second side adjacent to the second outerlayer; the interlayer having a plurality of cuts extending from thefirst side of the interlayer towards the second side of the interlayer,each of the plurality of cuts having an angle with respect to a planeformed by a surface of the first side of the interlayer; wherein eachangle for at least a portion of the plurality of cuts is based on one ormore pixel values of at least one image; and wherein the interlayerincludes at least one of ultraviolet absorbing materials and fluorescentmaterials.
 6. The structure of claim 1, wherein the first outer layer,the second outer layer, and the interlayer are flat.
 7. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of incisions eachhave a similar width as measured across the first surface of theinterlayer.
 8. The structure of claim 1, wherein at the plurality onincisions incision intend from the first surface a similar direction. 9.The structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of incisions extend fromthe first surface of the interlayer and reach the second surface of theinterlayer.
 10. The structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst outer layer, the second outer layer, and the interlayer are atleast partially transparent.
 11. The structure of claim 1, wherein atleast a portion of the plurality of incisions form a visualrepresentation that resembles the at least one image.
 12. The structureof claim 1, wherein the at least one image is at least one of a graphic,letter, number, landscape image, geometric shape, abstract pattern, faceof a human or animal, or natural scene.
 13. The structure of claim 1,further comprising a light source positioned to direct at least aportion of light radiating from the light source into at least a portionof the interlayer.